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Author William B. Patrick to read from two of his books at Fairfield University Bookstore

William B. Patrick, author of "The Call of Nursing: Voices from the Front Lines of Health Care" and a faculty member in Fairfield University's MFA in Creative Writing Program, will read from two of his works at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 3, at Fairfield University Bookstore, 1499 Post Road, Fairfield. The event, part of the MFA program's Inspired Writer Series, is free and open to the public. It is co-sponsored by the University's School of Nursing.

Patrick is a writer whose works have been published or produced in several genres - from nonfiction and fiction to poetry, screenwriting and drama. "The Call of Nursing," his most recent book, is a Studs Terkel-like collection of 23 occupational profiles that capture an inside view of the profession and the women and men who form its backbone.

Patrick will also be reading from "Saving Troy," his creative nonfiction chronicle of a year spent living with the professional firefighters and paramedics of the Troy, N.Y. Fire Department's 1st Platoon and accompanying them to emergency medical calls, rescues and fires.

Patrick is a seasoned teacher as well, having taught writing at the University of Albany, The College of St. Rose, Old Dominion University, Salem State College and Onondaga Community College, in addition to his work at Fairfield. He has taught screenwriting at the Chautauqua Institute and with inmates at Raybrook Federal Correctional Center in New York.

Patrick will also give a talk at the School of Nursing earlier on the day of his public reading.

"Bill Patrick brings to his fortunate students in the MFA, the multi-talented, multi-voiced skills of a writer who works equally well in poetry and fiction, nonfiction and screen writing," said Michael White, Ph.D., director of the MFA program at Fairfield. "For Bill 'story' is at the center of his writing, and the particular genre he selects is secondary to telling the teeming narratives of ordinary people."

For more information on this event, contact Elizabeth Hastings, ehastings@fairfield.edu or (203) 254-4000, ext. 2688.